First U.S.-China Joint Issue
On October 9, 1994, the USPS released its first joint-issue stamps with China. The stamps picture two different species of cranes – one from each country.
Postal History
Start of Modern FDC Collecting
On October 4, 1922, an 11¢ Hayes stamp was issued on a specific date in a specific city for the first time. Many consider this to be the start of modern First Day Cover Collecting.
Happy National Stamp Collecting Month!
On October 1, 1981, the USPS began its very first National Stamp Collecting Month. Four years later, they began issuing stamps to help promote National Stamp Collecting Month, a tradition that continues today.
Founding of the APS
On September 13, 1886, a group of stamp collectors met in New York City to establish what would become the American Philatelic Society. Today the APS is the largest nonprofit stamp collecting organization with over 25,000 members.
First Man on the Moon Stamp
On September 9, 1969, the US Post Office issued its first ever jumbo-sized commemorative stamp. Honoring the Moon landing, the stamp was produced in secret and wasn’t announced until a week before the Apollo 11 launch.
National Newspaper Carrier Day
On September 4, 1833, the first American newspaper boy was hired. Today, this event is celebrated as National Newspaper Carrier Day.
First US Airmail Special Delivery Stamp
On August 30, 1934, the US Post Office issued its first Airmail Special Delivery stamp. Only in use for a short time, Airmail Special Delivery stamps paid the air postage and special delivery fee with a single stamp.
Birth of the Smithsonian Institution
After a decade of debates, the Smithsonian Institution was established on August 10, 1846. Nicknamed “the nation’s attic,” it houses more than 154 million items and is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex.
First Phosphorescent U.S. Stamps
On August 1, 1963, the U.S. Post Office experimented with luminescent stamps for the first time, in an effort to speed up mail sorting and cancellation.